Astro Photography is an exciting genre when you capture that Milky Way shot that you have always wanted to get.
Geoff and Keith have been masters of this genre, and they will give an introduction to the timings, locations, techniques and basic post processing.
And the pitfalls and must do to be safe as this is very much a nighttime activity when visibility is very restricted.
Closing Date: 22nd June
Judging Date: 25th June
Judge: Peita Ward
Portrait photography is about capturing the essence, personality, identity and attitude of a person utilising backgrounds, lighting and posing. An image becomes a portrait when the image can evoke a sense of connection between the viewer and the portrait photograph.
The image may range from a head study to full body length and may include candid and formal images.
For this competition “group” portraits are not eligible.
What you can learn:
- How to engage with your subject to make them relaxed.
- Research the range of poses to create an effective image.
- Avoid harsh light. Soft light can be generated from a window, studio lighting or a flash.
- Use the golden hour to take images outdoors.
- Use a reflector to create the light that is desired. If reflectors are not available use a bight wall or other surface as a reflector.
Russell is a Photographer working in digital and analogue, based on the Gold Coast – and has photographed
well-known Australians from a wide range of fields, including writers (Tim Winton), sportsmen (Steve
Waugh); politicians (Gough Whitlam). His work has been published in many national magazines and
newspapers, Awards include The Moran Contemporary Photographic prize, Black and White Photographer
of the Year, National Photographic portrait prize, Olive Cotton Exhibition and Walkley Award for Journalism
(best news photograph).
Russell’s works are in collections at The Queensland Art Gallery, Tweed River Art Gallery, Redcliffe Art
Gallery, and The National Portrait Gallery. Russell is an Ambassador for Leica Camera Australia. Russell
will be taking members on a journey telling the story of his Documentary portraiture work.
DigiDirect will give an introduction to printing
Closing Date: Midnight Sunday 21st July
Judging Date: Tuesday 23rd July
Judge: Bill Chambers
Rush Hour Set Subject Guidelines
Rush hour refers to the time of day when most people are commuting to and from work by many different modes of transportation. People may be rushing along a street or running to catch a train.
Your image should convey the hectic or unique nature of this period of the day or evening.
What you can learn:
- Experiment with camera angles to create dramatic effects.
- Control of shutter speed to freeze the action or to allow motion blur.
- Consider monochrome for busy images.
- Decision between Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority or Manual with Auto ISO.
An introduction to macro and focus stacking
By Rob Clarke
Closing Date: Midnight Sunday 25th August
Judge: Don Dickins
Panorama Set Subject Guidelines
Panorama refers to a wide and unbroken image. The aspect ratio determines if an image is a panorama, an aspect ratio of 2:1 or more is the accepted definition. All the elements of the panorama should work together to convey a story.
What you can learn:
- The use of software to create a Panoramic image by stitching multiple images together.
- If stitching the requirement to have all camera settings in manual mode so all images making up the panorama have identical exposure, colour temperature, ISO and focus.
An introduction to basic off camera lighting setups for portraiture.
Closing Date: Midnight September 22nd
Judging Date: Tuesday 24th September
Judges: John & Leanne Alessi
Water in Motion Set Subject Guidelines
Capture water as it moves, with the water being the main subject of the image.
Water taken with fast shutter speeds can have dramatic impact with high volumes of water, slower shutter speeds smooth out the movement of water. Creative images that have moving water are acceptable.
What you can learn:
- The effect that different shutter speeds have when photographing water in motion.
- The need to use low ISO and possibly neutral density filters to obtain slow shutter speeds in bright light.
- Use of a tripod to keep stationary elements of the image sharp but have the water blurred.
When asked to summarise his life, Graham chooses four terms: Research Scientist – Ornithologist –
Photographer – Educator. A love of biology started from the time he could walk, progressing through those
early years, to studying birds at a scientific level by the age of 14. Integrating science and ornithology with
a love of photography, Graham transitioned from 35mm film to the digital era, filling his kit bag with Nikon
professional camera bodies and lenses, which along with extended hours of study and practice, have
enabled him to capture images at a professional level. Graham served for six years on the committee of
Birdlife Photography – Australia, five of those years as President.
Graham is a really interesting person, and it’s fair to say that Graham is very well qualified to present on
Bird Photography – he will be joining us at Castle Hill, to share some interesting insights, and amazing
images – and help us understand how our photography of birds can help in their protection.
An introduction to various poses for men and women
Closing Date: Midnight Sunday 20th October
Judging Date: Tuesday 22nd October
Judge: Doug Carley
Playing with Artificial Light Set Subject Guidelines
Artificial light refers to any light that’s not produced naturally. The light source excludes the sun, moon and stars as the dominant light source.
Be creative and use a light source or light sources to create an image that has impact. Light can be generated through streetlights, car headlights, torches and light painting tools. The light is to be added to the exposure whilst the camera shutter is open.
The use of light that is synchronised with the camera shutter in the form of a flash is excluded from the competition. Portraits of people, close up images that use studio flash or studio lighting are also excluded from this competition.
What you can learn:
The effect that different light forms can have on the impact of an image.
- Experiment with some composite images that tell a story with some creative lighting.
- Experiment with changing the colour of the light in post-production. The light source must be captured by the camera.
Tuesday 5 November – Pete Farrington – Aviation (Zoom – from the UK) – fee to confirm (May be a donation
to charity)
Peter is an author and photographer specialising in military aviation photography. Within recent months, Peter has retired from the RAF and pursues his passion in photography. Over the years of being a member of the Royal Air Force, Peter was lucky to be in the position to capture many fantastic aircraft up close and personal – from the ground, and from the air.
Peter uses photography to keep the stories of those who serviced and flew aircraft, alive. He is a fantastic story teller, and will use his great images, to take members on a journey into the skies, and the past.
Sports photography can be a very satisfying genre.
There are varying conditions such as indoor and outdoor lighting.
There are many types of sports action. There will be something happening nearby nearly every weekend that you could photograph.
Closing Date: Midnight Sunday 24th November
Judging Date: Tuesday 26th November
Judge: Graham Cam
Panning Set Subject Guidelines
The image is to be taken while panning the camera. Blurred backgrounds must be created by the camera movement and not the use of post-production software.
What you can learn:
- Experiment with shutter speeds to determine what parts of an image show motion and add to the story.
- How changing the shutter speed can affect the clarity of the subject or parts of the subject and blur the background.
- Practice panning through using the hips to turn with the subject with the arms close to the body.